The British Royal Navy's plan to achieve initial carrier strike operating capability by December 2020 could be delayed due to technical issues that are yet to be resolved, according to the UK's National Audit Office (NAO).

NAO head Amyas Morse said: “The department has made good progress and clear plans to achieve an initial carrier strike operating capability by December 2020, but it still has a lot to do as it brings together the equipment, trained crews, infrastructure and support.

“Problems in any of these areas could mean use of the carriers is delayed or reduced. The programme will shortly move into a high-risk period of trials, testing and training which may affect plans and increase costs.

“The closely timed sequence of tasks offers no further room for slippage, and there remain significant risks to value for money.”

The US Navy, British Royal Navy and France's Marine Nationale signed an agreement to ensure continued security at sea.

The three navies will work both together and independently under the deal, in order to address current and future security challenges posed by violent extremism. The agreement will also allow the partners to conduct Carrier Strike Group operations.

The Royal Navy noted that the three navies share the same global reach and full-range capability from nuclear submarines to power projection.

The Indian Navy's INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier successfully conducted the first firing of the new Barak surface-to-air missile system.

Firing tests were carried out in the Arabian Sea as part of the Operational Readiness Inspection programme of the Western Fleet, and saw the Barak surface-to-air missile fired against a live low-flying, high-speed target, reported the Press Trust of India (PTI).

The trial was intended to demonstrate India’s maritime defence capabilities and was carried out by Western Naval Command flag officer commanding-in-chief vice-admiral Girish Luthra from 21 to 23 March.

The Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance successfully completed the final five weeks of sea acceptance trials for the Royal Australian Navy's first Hobart-class air warfare destroyer (AWD) HMAS Hobart.

HMAS Hobart is now ready to be handed over to the Australian defence in June this year following the completion of the sea trials, which were conducted off the coast of South Australia over a 21-day period.

The hull consolidation of HMAS Hobart vessel was carried out in March 2014 and the builder’s sea trials were conducted in September last year. The ship was officially launched in May 2015.

Singapore State Defence Senior Minister Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman said that the LMVs demonstrate how the RSN is "looking ahead to the next 50 years to make sure it stays relevant and ready for the challenges ahead."

ST Marine is building eight LMVs in total to replace the navy's Fearless-class patrol vessels, under a contract awarded by Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in 2013.